Newcastle’s Christmas lights prove a big hit on Broadway

This year’s Newcastle City Centre Christmas Lights switch-on is really making a big song and dance about the festive programme, so much so, it has attracted sponsorship from a company used to having its name up in lights.

The free event is expected to entertain a 5,000 strong crowd with performances from local superstar Joe McElderry, who will be appearing in character as ‘Joseph’ from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat. Joe will be joined by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Linda Wright, former X-Factor contestant Sam Lavery, the cast of Newcastle Panto Company’s “Sleeping Beauty” (from Gateshead Stadium) and a special appearance from the one and only, Santa Claus. The evening will be hosted by Metro Radio’s Breakfast Show presenters Steve and Karen.

The Christmas showcase will have the crowd singing and dancing with a festive sing-a-long, on-stage games and the opportunity for one lucky member of the audience to win a week-long holiday to Madeira kindly provided by Broadway Travel.

Product Director of Broadway Travel, Phil Turner, said: “As a Newcastle based company we are really excited to be playing our part in one of the City’s biggest and most celebrated events of the year. The switch-on has a special place in the hearts of residents, families and visitors to Newcastle. We hope everyone has an amazing time and the evening gets the countdown to Christmas off with a bang!”

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Linda Wright, said: “The Newcastle Christmas Lights is always a date in the Mayoral diary that the first citizen of the City really looks forward to attending, as it gives the people of Newcastle the chance to come together and celebrate the joys of Christmas in a fun and happy atmosphere.”

An estimated 20,000 festive lights will illuminate parts of the City including areas of Northumberland Street; Blackett Street; Percy Street; Grey Street; Grainger Street; Nelson Street; Newgate Street; Neville Street; and the Quayside. This year there will be an extra special light to look out for, a 4-metre tall Teddy Bear!

The teddy bear will be situated on a special plinth with the Christmas Lights and Grey’s Monument illuminating the background…ideal for a festive selfie #NCLXmasBear!

The Newcastle City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on will take place on Tuesday 14th November and will start at 5.30pm with the lights being switched on at approximately 6.30pm. The event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend, people are advised to get down early to secure the best vantage point. No wristbands are required.

It might be advisable to use public transport [Metro or the Bus network] to get to and from the City Centre as the Christmas shopping season is well and truly in full swing.

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